Yesterday Akii and I cleared gutters and pruned and raked borders in preparation for winter. It was tough to cut back roses, still producing buds, but to be sure of a good flowering next year, they had to go: inside the cottage, in a vase on a windowsill. Today everything is frosted white and shining in bright sunshine. So just in time…

Today is also November 5, which passed me by with little to no consideration for 26 years while in Japan. There fireworks are let off seasonally in summer, with displays along rivers and around the coast. Great memories of sitting on our beach in Zushi, with cold beer and cooling fans, surrounded by families and girls parading in summer kimono, as the sky filled with light, colour and sound. The fireworks were let off on rafts or from fishing boats (comandeered for the occasion) criss-crossing the bay.

Fireworks in Japan then are about the enjoyment of summer heat and celebrating life at its most vibrant.

Here they are about historical retribution, standing around in cold weather and stamping feet to keep warm, and keeping in tune with the dying of the year.

I know which I prefer.

However I am prepared to adapt, and if the rain stays off have yet another bonfire set to light the sky while hopefully not afflicting neighbours with smoke.

In the meantime I’m off to canvass support (sell tickets, persuade buyers to contribute food) for our local community Christmas party on December 13. Amazing to think that only eight days later will be the shortest day, and then we start swinging back towards Spring.

Yes, optimism is my second name.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”

Michael Michalko is one of the most highly acclaimed creativity experts in the world and author of the best sellers Thinkertoys (A Handbook of Business Creativity), ThinkPak (A Brainstorming Card Deck),Cracking Creativity (The Secrets Of Creative Genius), and Creative Thinkering (Putting Your Imagination to Work).

SCHEDULE

DRAWING ON THE WRITER WITHIN

DOTWW is a revolutionary programme of creative writing - transformational work intended for anyone who wants to write, but thinks he or she can not, or does not know how to begin. It is equally for wordsmiths who are blocked and/or feel the need to authenticate their writing voice. Also those who want to explore their being and thinking on paper. Surprising, illuminating, fun, above all safe.

WRITING THE MIND ALIVEProprioceptive Writing (http://radix00.com/PWriting_Main/) - a form of meditational process writing that helps writers choose the right words and helps anyone seeking to sort out their reactions, beliefs and thinking on paper. You can practise at home and/or in the small group that usually meets on the first Saturday of every month Next date:: September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2, 2017 Where: Clunie Hall, midway between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie (www.cluniehall.co.uk/location)Time: 10am-middayCost: £15 for newcomers; thereafter £10

If you would like to work online, tell me what you want and need and I will work by skype or facetime to help you find the right words.